1983 Volkswagen Rabbit vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,713 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit (64 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 160 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rabbit | Polo |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1713 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 845 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2340 mm |
